ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST supported startup to make natural, alcohol-free sanitizer to combat COVID 19
“The bio-surfactant based disinfecting solutions are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and easy on skin", says Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Green Pyramid Biotech , a company working on Food, Agriculture, and Bio-Technology, located in Pune, Maharashtra, is being funded by the Department of Science & Technology , for manufacturing natural, alcohol-free sanitizer for hands and surfaces with long-lasting antibacterial and antiviral effect.
It can be very effective in India’s fight against COVD 19. Since the disease spreads through contagion, cleaning of hands, as well as commonly used surfaces like tables, computers, chair, mobile phones, and locks, is very essential to slow down the spread. The use of soap or alcohol can destroy the thin outer layer of fat that covers the virus, but in the ready availability of soap and water is a challenge. The access and regulation of usage of the alcohol-water mixture are difficult too.
This sanitizer formulation developed by Green Pyramid Biotech, whose Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient  is a biosurfactant that provides long-lasting protection against bacteria and viruses, can be an alternative to significantly reduce the risk of infection. It has been tested against a wide array of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The formulation can provide a convenient and effective way to clean hands and surfaces and is totally biodegradable, natural, and alcohol-free. In addition to sanitization, the API has a unique property of supporting fibroblast activity. Hence it can be used to clean the wounds and prevents dryness and skin irritation. Besides, the product whose technology concept and applications have been formulated is harmless to the skin.
"There are several different approaches to disinfect skin--soap and water, alcohol based formulations, nanoparticle containing media, etc. each of which has strengths and use, depending on the availability, context and circumstances. The bio-surfactant based disinfecting solutions are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and easy on skin", said Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Green Pyramid Biotech  is a Pune based company a spinoff from one of the premium research institutes, the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory  and funded by Seed Support System of the Technology Development Board , DST and incubated byEntrepreneurship Development Center , Pune. Dr. Asmita Prabhune, Ph.D. in Microbiology, is its founder and director.
(For further details contact:
Dr. Asmita Prabhune  Green Pyramid Biotech Pvt Ltd, NCL
asmita.prabhune[at]gmail[dot]com
Mob: 9822244149.)
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Virtual Workshop on “Effective Plastic Waste Management to Tackle Plastic Pollution” organised by MoEFCC
Plastic Pollution - a global problem
Role of Municipal Bodies is integral to managing plastic waste effectively
A Virtual Workshop on “Effective Plastic Waste Management to Tackle Plastic Pollution” was organized under the aegis of the “India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative” by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change , Government of India, Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi and UN Environment Programme  today.
The workshop witnessed the presence of policy makers, city level authorities from municipalities of India and Norway, State Pollution Control Board/Pollution Control Committee, Department of Environment, Department of Urban Development, research and academic organizations. The speakers from the Indian cities of Indore and Ambikapur complemented by Norwegian cities of Oslo and Stavanger shared their best practices and experiences in managing plastic waste and recognized that plastic waste is a global concern. Policy and regulatory frameworks for reducing single-use plastics and effective plastic waste management, from both the countries were highlighted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and Norwegian Environment Agency, Government of Norway.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment of Forest, Forest and Climate Change reiterated the important role of municipal bodies in managing plastic waste and that effective engagement is needed by all stakeholders to ensure effective plastic waste management including the success of the ban on identified single-use plastic items, which will come into effect from 1st July 2022. The Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Norway mentioned that plastic pollution is a global, common problem and that it is important to share experiences and best practices across nations and also hoped that today’s exchanges on effective plastic waste management would help us to learn from each other. The Head of UNEP India Country Office cited that India is moving ahead with a historic ban on select single-use plastics from 1st July 2022, and the urban local bodies, pollution control boards, industries, research institutes and the public at large have a huge responsibility to contribute towards the success of the ban and switch to alternatives.
In the course of the meeting, the municipalities were reminded of the ban on identified single-use plastic items, which will come into effect from 1st July 2022. The officials were requested to lead their teams within their jurisdiction, focussing their efforts for the enforcement of the ban, which was notified on 12th August 2021. It was further requested to help all stakeholders including traders, retailers, distributors as well as consumers to transition to over to alternatives of banned SUP items. The Ministry reiterated that the success of the ban will be possible with effective engagement and collaborative actions by all stakeholders.
Ministry of Rural Development
Dues Pending under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
As per Section 6 of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act , the Central Government may by notification specify the wage rate for its beneficiaries. Accordingly, the Ministry of Rural Development notifies Mahatma Gandhi NREGA wage rate every financial year for States/UTs. To compensate the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA workers against inflation, the Ministry of Rural Development revises the wage rate every financial year based on change in Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labour . The wage rate is made applicable from 1st April of each financial year. However each State/UT can provide wage over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government.
State/UT wise details of pending liabilities for material component under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme  in the current financial year 2022-23  is as follows-
|
|
State/UT wise details of pending liabilities for material component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in the financial year 2022-23 
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
State/UT
|
|
Material liabilities

|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
653.38
|
|
2
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
0.00
|
|
3
|
|
Assam
|
|
0.00
|
|
4
|
|
Bihar
|
|
184.27
|
|
5
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
0.00
|
|
6
|
|
Goa
|
|
0.03
|
|
7
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
0.00
|
|
8
|
|
Haryana
|
|
25.67
|
|
9
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
0.00
|
|
10
|
|
Jammu and Kashmir
|
|
15.52
|
|
11
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
58.91
|
|
12
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
540.66
|
|
13
|
|
Kerala
|
|
101.19
|
|
14
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
304.83
|
|
15
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
175.72
|
|
16
|
|
Manipur
|
|
55.70
|
|
17
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
56.47
|
|
18
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
0.00
|
|
19
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
69.62
|
|
20
|
|
Odisha
|
|
112.26
|
|
21
|
|
Punjab
|
|
0.00
|
|
22
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
184.61
|
|
23
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
2.34
|
|
24
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
0.00
|
|
25
|
|
Telangana
|
|
174.71
|
|
26
|
|
Tripura
|
|
0.00
|
|
27
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
0.00
|
|
28
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
30.87
|
|
29
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
457.06
|
|
30
|
|
Andaman & Nicobar
|
|
3.61
|
|
31
|
|
Lakshadweep
|
|
0.00
|
|
32
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
0.00
|
|
33
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
0.00
|
|
34
|
|
Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu
|
|
0.00
|
|
Total
|
|
3,207.43
State/UT-wise details of pending liabilities for wage component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS  are given below-
|
|
State/UT-wise details of pending liabilities for wage component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS .
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State/UT
|
|
Wage liabilities 
|
|
1
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
7.84
|
|
2
|
|
Assam
|
|
196.11
|
|
3
|
|
Haryana
|
|
8.80
|
|
4
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
162.52
|
|
5
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
45.08
|
|
6
|
|
Kerala
|
|
456.20
|
|
7
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
4.72
|
|
8
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
83.32
|
|
9
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
42.89
|
|
10
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
183.55
|
|
11
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
108.80
|
|
12
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
210.74
|
|
13
|
|
Telangana
|
|
139.77
|
|
14
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
52.48
|
|
15
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
0.34
|
|
16
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
2744.76
|
|
Total
|
|
4,447.92
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Arjun Munda holds an official interaction with New Zealand’s Minister for Food Safety, Customs and Veterans Ms Meka Whaitiri
An official delegation led by the Minister for Food Safety, Customs and Veterans, and Associate Minister for Agriculture , and Statistics, Government of New Zealand, Ms Meka Whaitiri met the Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda in New Delhi today. The High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, H.E. Mr. David Pine and Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to India Mr Brent Rapson were part of the delegation. Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Government of India, Sh. Anil Jha and senior officers of the Tribal Affairs Ministry were also present at the meeting.
Being an indigenous Maori, Ms Whaitiri evinced keen interest in the tribal community of India especially with respect to empowerment of tribal women and their leadership roles in governance. Shri Arjun Munda and Ms. Meka Whaitiri discussed the various approaches of their respective Governments supporting the economic development and empowerment of Tribals of India and Māori of New Zealand. Ms Whaitiri laid emphasis on finding opportunities to step up exchanges and dialogue as an endeavour to build people to people relationships between the two countries particularly with respect to tribal communities of India and the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Ms Whaitiri’s visit relates to New Zealand’s desire to seek a broader relationship with India beyond trade and economic interests.
President's Secretariat
Let us resolve to enhance Quality and Relevance of our Scientific Enterprise, says President
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, emphasised to enhance quality and relevance of our scientific enterprise. He said that our science must work for our people by contributing to their development and well-being. He was speaking at the National Science Day celebrations, organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, today  in New Delhi.
The President said that we should aim to reach all the stakeholders of science and indeed society at large with all the tools, knowledge, manpower and infrastructure in our universities and laboratories. He was happy to note that on the lines of corporate social responsibility, the Department of Science and Technology is developing the concept of ‘Scientific Social Responsibility’ and turning it into a policy which will involve voluntary activities like sharing scientific infrastructure, mentoring college faculty, fostering research culture, and organizing young students’ visits to top laboratories.
The President said that the basic purpose of the National Science Day is to spread the message of the importance of science. There are two aspects to it – science in itself, as quest for pure knowledge, and science in society, as a tool for enhancing the quality of life. Both are, of course, interlinked, as scientific attitude is common to them. It is through science and technology that we can effectively address challenges of the environment, healthcare, energy for equitable economic growth, food and water security, and communication; to name a few. Challenges before us today are multifold and complex. The increasing mismatch between demand and supply of various resources is likely to lead to conflicts in future. We all will have to rely on science and technology in our search for sustainable solutions to these challenges.
Click here to see the President's speech
Ministry of Minority Affairs
TARGETS AND ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES
The Government implements various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every strata, including minorities, especially the economically weaker and lesser privileged sections of the society, through various schemes of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Rural Development.
Ministry of Minority Affairs also implements various schemes, including various Scholarship and Fellowship schemes, across the country for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the notified minority communities.
The targets and achievements under Pre-Matric, Post Matric and Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship schemes for minorities during the last three years i.e. 2019-20 to 2021-22 are as under:
|
|
Scheme
|
|
Targets 
|
|
Achievements 
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021-22
|
|
Pre- Matric
|
|
30 lakh
|
|
55.68 lakh
|
|
52.40 lakh
|
|
57.43 lakh
|
|
Post- Matric
|
|
5 lakh
|
|
7.43 lakh
|
|
6.63 lakh
|
|
7.21 lakh
|
|
Merit-cum-Means
|
|
60,000
|
|
1.18 lakh
|
|
1.20 lakh
|
|
1.32 lakh
The scheme is yet to be implemented during the current year.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan to organise Shaheed Diwas in 623 Districts on the theme “Tribute to Revolutionaries”
Youth Volunteers associated with NYKS will participate in special Programmes being organised at 14 locations in 8 States and 2 UTs
As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan  will organise Shaheed Diwas in all 623 District NYKS across the country on 23rd March 2022 by involving large number of Youth Volunteers and members of NYKs affiliated Youth Clubs.
It may be recalled that on 23rd March 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged to death. In fond remembrance of the sacrifices made by the brave young revolutionaries & great sons of our Country, India observes Shaheed Diwas every year on 23rd March.
Coinciding with the occasion, this year as part of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Shaheed Diwas is being organized by NYKS by focussing on the theme ‘Tribute to Revolutionaries’. Considering the theme, during Shaheed Diwas 2022, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan will celebrate the contributions made by the revolutionary freedom fighters in all 623 district NYKs across the country.
The programs aim at instilling sense of gratitude, pride, honor and duty among the young generation by celebrating the life, works and philosophy of these freedom fighters. Their stories will inspire the youth to create spirit of Patriotism and Nationalism and motivate them further in engaging in National Building activities.
Honoring the memory of the revolutionary martyrs of India’s freedom struggle, the key activities by the district NYKs include Garlanding of portraits, Lighting the lamp, Seminars /Lectures on life of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev, Pledge Taking, Sports meet, Skits, Spot Quiz, Distribution of goodies, Plog Run, Knowledge Competitions, etc.
Besides, homage will be paid to the martyrs on one hand and will inculcate spirit of Nationalism and Patriotism amongst the Youth. Educational Institutions, other youth organisations like NSS, NCC and Bharat Scouts and Guide. The NYKS is also involving Freedom Fighters, Academicians, Artists, Iconic Personalities, State/District Administration in various programmes. The Youth Volunteers associated with NYKS will participate in special Programmes being organised at 14 locations in 8 States and 02 UTs by the Ministry of Culture associated with History of India’s Freedom Struggle.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to interact with healthcare workers and beneficiaries of Covid vaccination programme in Goa on 18th September
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with healthcare workers and beneficiaries of Covid vaccination programme, on completion of 100% first dose coverage for the adult population in Goa, on 18th September, 2021 at 10:30 AM via video conferencing.
The efforts undertaken by the state government that resulted in successful vaccination coverage include organisation of successive TikaUtasvs for community mobilization and grassroot outreach, targeted vaccination for priority groups such as vaccination at workplaces, old age homes, divyangjans etc. and continuous community engagement to remove doubts and apprehensions, among others. The state also overcame challenges like Cyclone Tauktae to ensure rapid vaccination coverage.
Chief Minister of Goa will also be present on the occasion.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
153.80 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 9,55,319
Active cases stands at 2.65%
Recovery Rate currently at 96.01%
60,405 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,46,30,536
1,94,720 new cases in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
69.52 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Statewise status of Omicron Variant
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State
|
|
No. of Omicron Cases
|
|
Discharged/Recovered/Migrated
|
|
1
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
1,281
|
|
499
|
|
2
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
645
|
|
402
|
|
3
|
|
Delhi
|
|
546
|
|
57
|
|
4
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
479
|
|
26
|
|
5
|
|
Kerala
|
|
350
|
|
140
|
|
6
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
294
|
|
10
|
|
7
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
275
|
|
6
|
|
8
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
236
|
|
186
|
|
9
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
185
|
|
185
|
|
10
|
|
Haryana
|
|
162
|
|
146
|
|
11
|
|
Telangana
|
|
123
|
|
47
|
|
12
|
|
Odisha
|
|
102
|
|
8
|
|
13
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
54
|
|
9
|
|
14
|
|
Bihar
|
|
27
|
|
0
|
|
15
|
|
Punjab
|
|
27
|
|
16
|
|
16
|
|
Goa
|
|
21
|
|
19
|
|
17
|
|
Jammu and Kashmir
|
|
13
|
|
5
|
|
18
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
10
|
|
10
|
|
19
|
|
Assam
|
|
9
|
|
9
|
|
20
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
8
|
|
8
|
|
21
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
5
|
|
5
|
|
22
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
5
|
|
4
|
|
23
|
|
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
|
|
3
|
|
0
|
|
24
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
25
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
2
|
|
2
|
|
26
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
27
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
28
|
|
Manipur
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
||
|
Total
|
|
4,868
|
|
1,805
Prime Minister's Office
PM to flag off Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express from Assam on 29th May
Vande Bharat will cover the journey from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri in 5 hrs 30 mins, while the current fastest train takes 6 hrs 30 mins to cover the same journey
PM to dedicate newly electrified sections and also inaugurate newly constructed DEMU/MEMU shed
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express on 29th May at 12 noon via video conferencing.
The state of the art Vande Bharat Express will provide people of the region the means to travel with speed and comfort. It will also boost tourism in the region. Connecting Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri, the train will help save about an hour of journey time, when compared with the current fastest train connecting the two places. Vande Bharat will cover the journey in 5 hrs 30 mins, while the current fastest train takes 6 hrs 30 mins to cover the same journey.
Prime Minister will also dedicate 182 Route Kms of newly electrified sections. This will help provide pollution free transportation with trains running at higher speed and reduced running time of trains. It will also open the doors for trains running on electric traction to enter Meghalaya.
Prime Minister will also inaugurate a newly constructed DEMU/MEMU shed at Lumding in Assam. This new facility will be helpful for maintaining DEMU rakes operating in this region, leading to better operational feasibility.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
“Respecting the film and audience essential
conditions for music improvisation”: Jonny Best
Goa: November 23, 2019
Cinephiles of this generation cannot imagine a movie without sounds. But there was a time when all films were silent with no recorded sound, dialogues or background score. Screening of those films were accompanied by live music played by an esteemed composer.
The golden jubilee edition of the International Film Festival is having a specially curated section paying tribute to this lost form of film viewing, with three classics by master filmmakers showcased for the delegates. Celebrated British pianist Jonathan Lindsay Best @ Jonny Best is playing the music for those films for the delegates of IFFI 50.
At a media conference held at IFFI, Jonny Best shared the intricacies and technicalities connected with the art of giving spontaneous music to silent films. “In contrast to music composition, live music for silent film is all about performing completely spontaneously. Composers can reach for perfection but improvisers have to accept what is happening at the performance. The beauty of playing live is that it is always imperfect and unrepeatable”, he said.
Emphasizing on the kind of responsibility a live musician holds, Jonny Best said that one has to respect and love the film for doing improvised music. “Respecting the film and audience are the two essential pre conditions for doing a music improvisation. Audiences impacts the music. When they are enjoying it, it helps improvise it. It’s like fuel in tank.” he added.
Backgrounder
Jonny Best is a musician, academic and festival director specialising in music for silent film. He performs regularly at venues and festivals around the UK, including Hyde Park Picture House , Showroom and Abbeydale Picture House , Hull Truck Theatre/Hull Independent Cinema, and National Centre for Early Music .
He has performed four times with Leeds International Film Festival and made his debut at Hippodrome Silent Film Festival  in 2018.
He began performing improvised piano accompaniments for silent film in 2014, taking part in the masterclasses at Le Giornate del Cinema Muto  in 2015. In 2016 he founded the Yorkshire Silent Film Festival which has had three editions, bringing live-scored silent film to cinemas, theatres and village halls across Yorkshire. Yorkshire Silent Film Festival will now take place biennially from May 2020.
His PhD research at the University of Huddersfield Music Department is a phenomenological study of silent film piano improvisation. He has a particular interest in pedagogies of improvisation. He is a Clore Fellow and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Royal Musical Association.
ED/NS/MR/BSN
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Ministry of Finance
SPMCIL launches Mata Sherawali silver Souvenir Coin to mark Navratri
On Navratri festival, the in-house designed, coloured silver Souvenir Coin of 40 Grams with 999 purity on the theme of Mata Sherawali was launched for the first time by India Government Mint, Kolkata , on 27.09.2022.
The package includes the booklet detailing about nine incarnations of Mata Durga and the purpose of her incarnation. Apart from this, the booklet also guides about the activities related to Navratri Puja and compilation of puja hymns played during Navratri.
The launch price of Mata Sherawali silver Souvenir Coin is Rs.3,453/-  and it is available for online ebooking at: https://www.indiagovtmint.in .